Symptoms

Recognizing stroke symptoms can save a life.

The sooner you receive treatment, the better the chance for a full recovery.

Know the Signs

B.E. F.A.S.T. is a helpful way to notice the signs of a stroke. If you notice any of these signs, call 911 right away.

• Balance: Loss of balance, headache or dizziness 
• Eyes: Blurred vision
• Face drooping: Is the person’s face droopy or numb on one side? Ask the person to smile to get a better idea if their face is affected.
• Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? If you ask the person to raise their arms and one side drifts down, this could be a sign of a stroke.
• Speech difficulty: Is the person’s speech slurred or uneven? Ask them to repeat a phrase, such as “I like chocolate” to help you determine if they could be having a stroke.
• Time to call 911: Seeing any one of these symptoms could be a sign of a stroke. Call for help immediately.

Other Stroke Symptoms

• Numbness or weakness of the leg, arm or face
• Confusion or trouble understanding
• Vision problems in one or both eyes
• Difficulty walking, sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• A severe headache that starts suddenly